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'Twas but a moment; on they went Over the grave-like element; At first in silence, for so drear Was all that met the eye and ear,— Before, behind, all was like night, And the red torch's cheerless light, Fitful and dim, but served to show How the black waters roll'd below; And how the cavern roof o'erhead Seem'd like the tomb above them spread. And ever as each heavy stroke Of the oar upon these waters broke, Ten thousand echoes sent the sound Like omens through the hollows round, Till, who awhile subdued His spirit's earnest gratitude,